Launch of the new EESC study: Mapping civil dialogue practices in the EU institutions

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Location

Brussels
Belgium
Better regulation
Participatory Democracy

Civil society stakeholders have long called for a more consistent approach to civil dialogue – defined here as the structured engagement between EU institutions and civil society.

However, if we are to strengthen civil dialogue in a sustainable and inclusive way, we need to know what is already happening. What practices of civil dialogue already exist at EU level? Who is organising them and along which methodology?

That is why the Civil Society Organisations' Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has requested a study on the subject, entitled Mapping civil dialogue practices in the EU institutions. The study was commissioned by the EESC and was carried out by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS). In the face of the European Commission's intention to step up engagement with civil society, the publication of this study comes a crucial point in time.

Curious about its findings, conclusions and recommendations? Follow the official launch of the study online on 16 July 2025!

Speakers will include:

  • Berta Mizsei and Timothy Yeung, CEPS authors of the EESC study
  • Séamus Boland, President of the Civil Society Organisations' Group in the EESC

The debate is organised as part of the meeting of the members of the Civil Society Organisations' Group.

The debate will start at 12.00 and end at 13.00 CEST. It will be webstreamed in multiple EU languages. Prior registration for the webstreaming is not necessary. It will be available on this website on the day of the event.

Once it is available, you will be able to download the study here and share it with your contacts.

Over the course of its history, the EESC has been a frontrunner for civil dialogue. Since its creation in 1957 by the Rome Treaties, it has channelled the views of organised civil society to the EU institutions.

The Civil Society Organisations' Group and the EESC have also extensively explored and promoted civil dialogue. Recent initiatives are the EESC’s contribution to the 2025 European Commission Work Programme as well as its strategic exploratory opinion on Strengthening civil dialogue and participatory democracy in the EU: a path forward, drawn up at the request of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU.